n coup led by Lieutenant Moussa Traore. 1977 - Protests erupt following Keita's death in prison. 1979 - New constitution provides for elections; Traore re-elected president. 1985 - Mali and Burkina Faso engage in border fighting. 1991 - Traore deposed in coup and replaced by transitional committee.

Diarra to head a "unity administration" including the military until new elections can be held. Captain Sanogo agreed in May 2012 to let President Traore remain in office for a year to oversee the full transition to civilian rule. Mr Traore, a former speaker of parliament, vowed to respect the consti

ikely Malian-American astrophysicist who once worked at NASA, a political neophyte known for emotional outbursts. Page I 1 of S EFTA00598402 Mr. Traore's future as president came into question in May, when a mob of angry protesters stormed the presidential palace and beat him into unconsciousness. H